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NSRI Fredericksburg Field Office Laboratory

Capital region facility featuring 60+ years of defense research experience & premier microbial systems capabilities

Established in 2018, the NSRI Fredericksburg Field Office & Laboratory is strategically located for convenience and accessibility to collaborators and end-users from the U.S. Department of War (DOW) throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. A high-performing, multi-disciplinary team of NSRI scientists with more than 60 years of combined experience in chemical and biological defense research accesses specialized equipment in a 1,400-square-foot laboratory to contribute premier expertise in microbial systems production and analysis. They deliver to DOW projects in the areas of biological defense, counterproliferation, biosurveillance and chemical and biological decontamination.

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Leading Capabilities

Strategy & Technology Development

Development of detection, collection, identification and exploitation strategies and technologies for chemical and biological threat agents

Rigorous Validation

Testing and evaluation, independent verification and validation

Rapid Prototyping & Development

Design, fabrication and validation of innovative solutions for chemical and biological defense, accelerating the transition from concept to operational capability

Specialized Equipment

With access to a full laboratory of specialized equipment, the research staff at the NSRI Fredericksburg Field Office & Laboratory contribute to DOW projects in the areas of biological defense, counterproliferation, biosurveillance and chemical and biological decontamination.

  • Small-scale closed bio-aerosol deposition chamber
  • Walk-in chemical fume hood
  • Automated spiral plater and colony counter
  • Coulter cell analyzer- and particle sizer
  • Environmental chamber
  • Biological safety cabinets
  • MinION sequencing
  • BioTEK plate reader
  • Small and medium scale bioreactors
  • Fluorescent/light microscopy
  • 3D printer
  • Common molecular, cellular and microbiology laboratory equipment

Experienced Staff

The team at the NSRI Fredericksburg Field Office & Laboratory touts more than 60 years of combined experience in in chemical and biological defense research.

Professional headshot of Bensman with wavy brown hair and glasses, wearing a black blazer and brown top in a bright office setting

Misty Bensman, MS

Senior Director

Operations & Integration

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Aimee Ketner, Ph.D.

Deputy Director

Chemical & Biological Defense Programs

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Steven Distelhorst, Ph.D.

Senior Scientist

Chemical & Biological Defense Programs

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Zachary Minter

Senior Scientist

Chemical & Biological Defense Programs

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Connect With NSRI

As the University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) designated by the U.S. Department of War, sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command and affiliated with the University of Nebraska System, the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) delivers solutions for strategic deterrence and CWMD mission requirements. Our rapid-response capabilities and efficient contracting vehicle can help federal government program managers meet critical research and development needs. Connect with us to learn more.

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